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catrink's review against another edition
3.0
Part of me wonders why I keep returning to this series. It IS full of interesting details of Roman life during this time period, and reflects some of the complexity of Roman politics and relations in the empire. The protagonist is maturing as the series progresses and it is difficult not to like his character. The characters are strongly drawn, and there are usually an interesting twist or two as the story progresses. So I've answered my own question on why I keep returning to this series. It is a quick read for a lazy afternoon or evening, with a core cast of characters and relationships that develop with the series.
Adult material isn't graphic, but it is evocative of a very different time. This particular novel focuses on the murder of a very corrupt couple who happens to also be sadists.
Adult material isn't graphic, but it is evocative of a very different time. This particular novel focuses on the murder of a very corrupt couple who happens to also be sadists.
sandin954's review
3.0
Another fine entry in this historical mystery series. The author does a great job of integrating history into his plots and Decius Caecilius Metellus is a fun lead character. Listened to the audio version which was ably read by John Lee.
raptorimperator's review
4.0
Another fine edition in the SPQR series. In this one, Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger is starting off his term as aedile, expected to sponsor some plays and games at his own expense. He busies his days with seeing to his duties as aedile, with Hermes by his side. The mystery for this story is picked up earlier than most. While in the course of his duties, Decius lands upon a scheme of corruption that he cannot abide, thus launching himself into an investigation that turns dangerous when Decius discovers he is unable to rely on some of his normal allies to assist him.
JMR did a fine job showing just how much of a thankless job it was to be aedile, not to mention the personal expense it pushed upon the office holder. I also liked how none of the murders or mysteries surrounding the story had anything to do with any major historical event, leaving the culprits unknown until Decius has pieced enough clues together for me to make a logical guess--just around the same time as he does. Father Tiber makes his presence known in this story, and I thought that added element made for some interesting atmosphere for the climax, which was a thrilling one, and I enjoyed the denouement, especially since Julia was present for this one.
As I get further and further into the series, I'm liking and enjoy the characters more and more.
JMR did a fine job showing just how much of a thankless job it was to be aedile, not to mention the personal expense it pushed upon the office holder. I also liked how none of the murders or mysteries surrounding the story had anything to do with any major historical event, leaving the culprits unknown until Decius has pieced enough clues together for me to make a logical guess--just around the same time as he does. Father Tiber makes his presence known in this story, and I thought that added element made for some interesting atmosphere for the climax, which was a thrilling one, and I enjoyed the denouement, especially since Julia was present for this one.
As I get further and further into the series, I'm liking and enjoy the characters more and more.
1outside's review against another edition
4.0
Very good, as usual. I adore this series, combining my love for the Ancient Rome in the 1st century BC with my love of detective stories. Additionally, I definitely enjoyed the character development featured in this book, especially when it comes to Decius, feels very organic. Well done.
maddiemarina's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
i liked this book a lot. the ending was really epic and the book overall was quite exciting. i‘m even beginning not to hate the main character anymore haha. once again teaches a lot about the roman empire and its traditions.
metchap's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
sophiewilliams's review against another edition
3.0
An insula (apartment block) has collapsed and Decius is responsible for finding out why it collapsed and for investigating the substandard building materials and practices going on round Ancient Rome. This was better than that introduction sentence makes it seem!
mgcco's review against another edition
3.0
Not as enthusiastic with SPQR VIII as I was with the previous installments in this series (e.g. Nobody Loves a Centurion). Maybe because I did not care too much for the topic/theme explored (Roman politics is too much like Philippine politics—nothing new about the extent of Roman corruption for me). However, I still liked it, and there were still a lot of shining moments for Decius. Plus, I wouldn't recommend skipping even one book in this series.
Again, the Kindle version of this book leaves MUCH to be desired. Too many typos, and most of them were "repeats" (e.g. flood, which was repeatedly mentioned in this book, spelled ?ood; floor was ?oor). Improvements, please.
Again, the Kindle version of this book leaves MUCH to be desired. Too many typos, and most of them were "repeats" (e.g. flood, which was repeatedly mentioned in this book, spelled ?ood; floor was ?oor). Improvements, please.
staceylynn42's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my favorites of the series. Decius in his prime as a Senator and as an investigator.
He's an aedile in this book, an expensive & exhausting position for a man to hold in the Roman republic. First he learns just how clogged the sewers are right before the river starts to flood. Then an apartment building collapses killing a couple hundred, including some very unpleasant rich people. So he is dealing with lots of corruption by previous aediles & censors in issuing contracts to clean the sewers and covering up inadequacies in the building trade, then he gets the news that those unpleasant rich people were murdered. All this while planning to throw his (required by the office) funeral games for the entertainment of the masses. Decius is left hunting the murderer, through layers of cover ups and rising water levels in the forum while praying the theater where is he is to stage a play stays standing.
This is a strong plot with strong characters, well written & fun.
He's an aedile in this book, an expensive & exhausting position for a man to hold in the Roman republic. First he learns just how clogged the sewers are right before the river starts to flood. Then an apartment building collapses killing a couple hundred, including some very unpleasant rich people. So he is dealing with lots of corruption by previous aediles & censors in issuing contracts to clean the sewers and covering up inadequacies in the building trade, then he gets the news that those unpleasant rich people were murdered. All this while planning to throw his (required by the office) funeral games for the entertainment of the masses. Decius is left hunting the murderer, through layers of cover ups and rising water levels in the forum while praying the theater where is he is to stage a play stays standing.
This is a strong plot with strong characters, well written & fun.
plantbirdwoman's review against another edition
3.0
This eighth in the Decius Metellus series features the attention to detail of everyday life in ancient Rome that we have come to expect. Again in order to seek justice, Decius finds himself pitted against very powerful citizens of the state and it is not clear until the end whether justice will in fact prevail. The character of Decius is a very well written and very appealing one. We want to see him triumph over all his obstacles. Fortunately, he usually does.